Veteran journalist Shaka Ssali, famous for Straight Talk Africa, dies at 71

WASHINGTON, D.C.:– Veteran Ugandan journalist Shaka Ssali, best known as the long-time host of Voice of America’s (VoA) flagship program Straight Talk Africa, has passed away at the age of 71.

His death was confirmed on Thursday, March 27, 2025, bringing to an end a remarkable career that saw him rise from humble beginnings in rural Uganda to become one of Africa’s most influential journalistic voices.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Shaka Ssali, the longtime host of VOA’s Straight Talk Africa. Ssali, a revered journalist and broadcaster, passed away at the age of 71, two weeks shy of his 72nd birthday, leaving behind an indelible legacy in African journalism,” VOA said in a statement.

“For more than two decades, Ssali was the face and voice of Straight Talk Africa, where he engaged African leaders, analysts, and citizens in critical discussions on democracy, governance, and development. His insightful interviews and unwavering commitment to press freedom earned him widespread respect across the continent and beyond, the statement added.

A distinguished media figure, Shaka Ssali, who was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his immense contributions to journalism in Africa, was popular for his ability to bridge the gap between Africa’s political elite and ordinary citizens and facilitate candid discussions on governance and development across the continent.

Born in Kabale District, Uganda, Ssali’s journey was nothing short of inspirational. He dropped out of school as a young boy and later became a child soldier before seizing an opportunity to move to the United States, where he defied the odds to achieve academic and professional success.

He earned a doctorate in cross-cultural communication from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), before embarking on an illustrious media career.

He joined Voice of America in 1992, where he worked for 29 years, 20 of which he spent as the founder, host, and later managing editor of Straight Talk Africa. His program became a powerful platform for African leaders, academics, business figures, and ordinary citizens to engage in meaningful discourse on the continent’s most pressing issues.

Throughout his career, Ssali interviewed some of Africa’s most prominent voices, including presidents, prime ministers, and influential opposition figures. His deep, resonant voice became synonymous with fearless journalism as he gave a platform to both the powerful and the marginalized.

A recipient of numerous accolades, Ssali was a Ford Foundation Fellow and had been honored with a United Nations Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award in International Journalism.

He also won VoA’s Best Journalist Award, the Uganda Diaspora Award (2011), and his alma mater Kigezi College Butobere’s highest achievement award in international human communication.